Knowra Clotrimazole Clotrimazole Clotrimazole is a synthetic antifungal medication that inhibits ergosterol production, weakening fungal cell membranes. It is used mainly for superficial fungal infections.
Ergosterol : Ergosterol is the principal sterol in fungal cell membranes, where it supports membrane structure and function. Clotrimazole lowers ergosterol levels, disrupting the membranes fungi need to grow.
Vulvovaginal candidiasis : Vulvovaginal candidiasis is an infection of the vulva and vagina, most often caused by Candida albicans. Intravaginal clotrimazole is a common treatment for uncomplicated cases.
Nystatin : Nystatin is a polyene antifungal that binds ergosterol and disrupts fungal membranes, mainly in localized infections. Unlike clotrimazole, nystatin acts by binding existing ergosterol rather than inhibiting its synthesis.
Candida albicans : Candida albicans is a yeast that commonly lives on human mucosal surfaces and can cause opportunistic infections. It is a frequent cause of infections treated with clotrimazole.
Lanosterol 14α-demethylase : Lanosterol 14α-demethylase is a cytochrome P450 enzyme that catalyzes a key step in fungal ergosterol synthesis. Clotrimazole inhibits this enzyme, interrupting ergosterol production.
Oral candidiasis : Oral candidiasis is a Candida infection of the mouth and oropharynx, commonly producing removable white patches. Clotrimazole lozenges can treat some cases by delivering antifungal medication in the mouth.
Terbinafine : Terbinafine is an antifungal medication that inhibits squalene epoxidase, an enzyme early in ergosterol synthesis. It targets a different step in the sterol pathway and is especially used for dermatophyte infections.
Dermatophyte : Dermatophytes are fungi that infect keratinized tissues, including skin, hair, and nails. Clotrimazole is used against several superficial infections caused by these fungi.
Azole antifungal : Azole antifungals are medications that inhibit sterol 14α-demethylase and thereby disrupt fungal membrane sterol synthesis. Clotrimazole belongs to this drug class, which includes several topical and systemic treatments.
Tinea corporis : Tinea corporis is a dermatophyte infection of the trunk or limbs, often forming an expanding ring-shaped rash. Topical clotrimazole is used to treat this superficial skin infection.
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